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| Promoting Small Business |
We are heading towards a busy retail season and are faced with many choices of where to spend our money. But when it comes time to make that purchase, please don't forget about Small Businesses!
I recently read an article on the Small Business Association (SBA) website outlining some interesting facts on small businesses in America, "10 Interesting facts about American SmallBusinesses". *Source1
The article got me to thinking about
what the real tangible benefits are to doing business with Small Business.
Many times we hear the phrase “shop local”. It is touted as the next best way to keep money within your community and help keep small businesses operating. While this is certainly true, I believe there are even more reasons to “shop” small businesses.
5 Reasons Doing Business with Small
Business
Makes Sense:
1.
Customer
Service – This had to make number 1 on my list. Small Businesses strive to treat their customers like their “community”. They are willing to go the extra mile to
deliver personal service. Most
importantly, when problems or issues do occur, your concerns are not answered
by some automated system or string of customer relations “specialists”. The chain of command is much shorter and
issues are dealt with by a real person that has the authority to really help
solve your problem.
2.
Commitment to Quality – Small Business owners want
and need you as a customer. Most
do not have large, wide spread, customer bases. To put it in direct terms, they cannot afford to lose you or risk their
hard-earned reputation. One lost
customer can really make a difference to them.
3.
Pride – Owners of Small
Businesses have a fundamental sense of pride and accomplishment in their “creation”. They believe in their product and service
with a fierce passion. While I know this
is not exclusive to small business, it is definitely is what drives the small
business owner.
4.
Building Community – Small Business Owners are
willing, and perceive it as vital, to build local connections. They are committed to creating a reciprocal
network with other small businesses. A
Small Business Network strengthens existing small businesses and creates a
welcoming environment to new ones.
5.
Niche Market – Many Small Businesses are able to
fill a void left by larger companies. Ever been to a “quirky” clothing shop or a small bistro? How about an “eclectic” furniture store or
local coffee shop? These small business
owners identified a need, created a solution to that need, and launched a small
business to meet that need.
So, Is doing business with Small Business really “Smart
Business”? I think so!
Remember, each time you use a small business
to buy a product or use a service, you are not only aiding in their success,
you are also enjoying some real benefits yourself!
So, when it comes time to spend your hard earned money, make sure you
SHOP SMALL!
Please Pay it Forward and
Pass it On!
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*Source1 ~ "10 Interesting Facts About Small Business"
Excellent article! This make so much sense, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comments once again Veronica! I am surprised that there is any resistance at all to "shopping small", but I feel the movement is gaining momentum. It goes along nicely with the current growing trend to shop for things made in the U.S.A.
DeleteRight on ! I no longer do business with companies that put me through the agony of their automoated service systems. These places provide their personal service while taking your order, but when it comes to helping you afterwards forget it!
ReplyDeleteJust as bad as the automated service systems are the large companies who staff overseas customer service labor. If I buy something in America and later have an issue, I want to speak to someone in America !
Go small. Go local. Go U.S.A.
I really appreciate your thoughts Karen. I believe you have definitely spoken for a lot of people when you mention the "automated" customer service systems and the outsourcing of those jobs. It can most certainly be a frustrating experience.
DeleteI believe the future of our country can ride on the concept of "shop local" - especially when "local" really means buy American if at all possible.
Thanks again for taking the time to read my post and comment.
Kim